Can you point me to resources for building an energy-efficient home?

Mitch Boucher is a consultant on green home design and construction through Green Life Homes in Grand Rapids, Mich. He has 15 years of experience as an engineer, manager, and consultant on energy systems and facility construction and has worked for electric utilities, consulting firms, and Fortune 500 companies. He has presented seminars on energy efficient building design and renovation throughout the country. Mitch is a LEED-Accredited Professional, a founding member of the Grand Rapids chapter of the United States Green Building Council, a member of the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum, and a licensed engineer in the state of Michigan.

Question: We just purchased 116 acres in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana and want to build a green home of post and timber. We want to take advantage of passive solar energy, use a wood-burning stove, and use as little electricity as possible. What are the best sources for learning how to build an energy-efficient home?

– Jeff Kushner, Wentzville, MO

Answer: I know that you indicated post and timber, but I would recommend looking very carefully at the envelope and shell options. Regardless of your heating system, 30 percent of the heat is lost to “infiltration,” or cracks in the envelope, so you would be best served by building the most efficient shell possible. I would guide you toward Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) or Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). Once the shell is as efficient as you can make it, you can finish the interior walls and space with post and beam or timber framing to give it the architectural feel you are seeking.

When designing your new home for maximum energy efficiency, pay attention to the following elements, in this order: the primary envelope (walls and roof); the windows; the floor; and the heating, cooling and electrical systems.

Here is a list of great resources for learning about passive solar design and energy efficiency.

For more information:

GreenHomeGuide’s Know How articles on Energy Efficiency

Build It Solar’s Guidelines and Tools for Designing Passive Solar Homes

"Passive Solar Design for the Home," a guide from the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse

Passive Solar Guidelines from the Sourcebook for Green and Sustainable Living

The Department of Energy’s Building Toolbox (information on site planning, passive solar design, building envelope design, and more)

Whole Building Design Guide (This site is a little more commercial, but includes lots of useful information. Get started by searching for “daylighting,” “passive solar” and “windows and glazing.”)

The government-sponsored Energy Star program (information on energy-efficient appliances, air sealing and insulation)

Build Central’s Green Building Talk forums (topics include ICFs and SIPs, as well as a general green building forum)

Portland Cement Association’s technology brief on ICFs

GreenHomeGuide's Ask A Pro archive has answers to dozens of other green home questions from our network of the best and brightest green architects, designers, contractors and consultants across the U.S.